What is the life expectancy of an AC capacitor?

Author: Doris Hessel  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

On average, an AC capacitor might last between 5-20 years. However, some factors can affect the lifespan of your AC capacitor. For example, living in an area with high humidity levels like Florida can cause your capacitor to rust and break down more quickly.

How often do AC capacitors need to be replaced?

For most ACs, this is about 15 to 20 years. However, even though your air conditioner might be rated to last this long, this doesn't mean that all of its components will. In most households, AC capacitors need to be replaced approximately twice throughout an air conditioner's lifespan.

What is the $5000 rule for AC?

The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.

What are the signs of a bad AC capacitor?

Most common first signs of a bad AC capacitor:
  • Vents Not Blowing Cold Air. ...
  • Higher Than Usual Energy Bills. ...
  • Unusual Compressor Humming Noises. ...
  • Older HVAC System. ...
  • Independent Shutdown. ...
  • Sluggish Turn On and Operation. ...
  • AC is Inoperable.

Can an AC capacitor go bad after 2 years?

How to test and replace AC capacitors. AC capacitor test and replacement. HVAC capacitors also known as run capacitors are one of many items which will fail over time. AC capacitors usually will fail between 5 - 10 years. My AC capacitor is about 7 years old and it just failed. When AC capacitor fails either your fan m.

How long does AC capacitor last?

How much does it cost to replace a capacitor on AC?

For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.

Will an AC fan run if the capacitor is bad?

If the start capacitor malfunctions or wears out, it usually prevents the HVAC unit or the blower from turning on. A bad run capacitor won't prevent the unit from starting, but it can lead to the unit shutting down prematurely, overheating or making more noise than usual.

Can I replace an AC capacitor myself?

Since AC capacitors are high-voltage components that might cause significant injury to you even if the power is out, it is strongly recommended against changing them yourself. Follow any instructions provided with your new unit purchase if you're thinking about replacing your own AC capacitor filter.

Should I turn off AC if capacitor is bad?

While your AC will still work with a bad capacitor, it will struggle to function correctly. Eventually, the system will stop working altogether. Extended use can cause further damage internally. We recommend contacting a professional to handle the repairs so that you don't risk any damage to your air conditioning.

How to test if a capacitor is bad?

Ans: To test a motor capacitor, first disconnect and discharge it safely. Use a multimeter set to go into capacitance mode and connect the leads to the capacitor terminals. A good capacitor will show a capacitance value close to its rating. Alternatively, an ohmmeter reading should start low and rise to infinity.

What is the most expensive part to replace on an AC unit?

Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.

What is the average lifespan of an AC unit?

It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old air conditioner?

If your aircon is older than 10 years and plagued with ongoing issues, you might want to consider replacing your air conditioner. A benefit of replacing your aircon is that you will get a more energy efficient model which would ultimately save you a lot of money on power bills.

Why do AC capacitors fail so often?

Overheating. If your air conditioner is constantly running or is too old, this can cause the capacitor to overheat and fail. To prevent this, it's helpful to give your system a break every now and then by turning it off for a few hours. This will help prolong your air conditioner's life and its parts.

Should I replace my AC capacitor before it fails?

Getting Regular Inspections

They will check your capacitor and be able to tell if it's near the end of its life. To prevent trouble, your technician might recommend replacing your capacitor before it dies.

Does AC capacitor brand matter?

Branded and generic AC capacitors play the same role in the function of an air conditioner. There's no difference between them if you choose the right capacitor size for your unit. However, some AC manufacturers may insist on sticking with their branded capacitors to prevent voiding the warranty.

What are the two typical signs that a capacitor is bad or has failed?

Bad AC Capacitor Symptoms Checklist
  • Smoke or a burning smell from exterior air conditioning components.
  • A humming noise from your air conditioner.
  • Your air conditioner takes some time to start a cooling cycle once you turn it on.
  • The air conditioning system shuts off at random.

Can I run my AC without a capacitor?

These components are essential for powering your air conditioner, enabling it to operate efficiently. Without capacitors, your system simply couldn't function. There are two main types of capacitors within your AC unit: start and run capacitors.

Can a bad AC capacitor cause a high electric bill?

Failure to blow enough cold air into the room is the most obvious sign that the capacitor is faulty. Other possible signs of a faulty AC capacitor include: High electricity bills: Your energy bills may surge simply because the capacitor is not operational.

What is the average cost to replace a AC capacitor?

The average cost to replace an AC capacitor is $180. Prices usually range from $200 to $400 depending on the type of capacitor and system you have.

Is it OK to run AC with bad capacitor?

Can My Air Conditioner Run on a Bad Capacitor? Over time, the capacitor can become corroded or damaged, which can prevent it from working properly. While your HVAC system may still run, it's not wise to continue using the cooling cycle until an AC capacitor replacement is installed.

How many years does a AC capacitor last?

On average, AC capacitors last 10 years, but their life span can range anywhere from five years to 20.

What damages AC capacitor?

Minor power surges or other fluctuations in power also overload the capacitor and may cause it to fail. Your AC capacitor may also fail if the fan motor burns out or is somehow impeded from spinning freely. The capacitor continues to send power to try and operate the fan but eventually overloads and burns out.

Can a bad capacitor trip a breaker?

Bad Capacitor

A capacitor is responsible for starting the compressor, and if the compressor has trouble starting, it could pull too many amps and trip the breaker.

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